Since the 19th century, there have been calls for America to adopt a parliamentary form of government -- you know, like Britain or Canada. Woodrow Wilson, in his days as an academic, favored this. More recently, liberal intellectuals and activists have recommended we move to a parliamentary system. It would make it easier to get things done, especially progressive reforms. A president with attractive plans for improving the lives of the rest of us would be able to pursue his agenda without fear of being thwarted by checks and balances. In short, our government would depart the 18th century and enter the modern era.

But think what would happen if we went this route. Instead of electing a president as chief executive and commander-in-chief, the head of the majority party in the lower house of parliament would become prime minister and head of the government. In Britain, this is Gordon Brown, leader of the Labor party. Here, who would that be? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the liberal terror of Washington and author of a new scheme for a government takeover of health care. She’d be in charge. She’d be our national leader with power beyond her current dreams.

Which affirms once more the wisdom of our Constitution and the sagacity and vision of James Madison and his fellow drafters of that document. As grim as things may be with President Obama, they could be worse. We could be stuck with Prime Minister Pelosi.